| Entering a detoxification center is a challenge for the | | | | group who become a group of close trusted friends |
| alcoholic who has spent their entire drinking career | | | | who welcome new members with enthusiasm. |
| denying the need for help. However, once inside where | | | | Everything is confidential. This is a very important |
| the atmosphere is pleasant, staffed with friendly and | | | | experience because alcoholics have lived a life of |
| understanding personnel it is not long before the | | | | protecting their addiction and have not been in the habit |
| alcoholic is bedded down and resting. It may take a | | | | of sharing personal life experiences with anybody. |
| mild sedative the first night or two but the aim is to | | | | Learning to trust others will be a new and refreshing |
| make the alcoholic comfortable as soon as possible. | | | | experience and help with recovery. |
| The original intake process is quite fundamental, age, | | | | Alcoholics Anonymous will be introduced and practiced |
| drinking history, marital status, when the last drink was | | | | to provide tools necessary for the alcoholics continued |
| taken what they are drinking and more. Intake staff will | | | | recovery after detoxification. Some in late stages of |
| need to know if the alcoholic was using any form of | | | | alcoholism will require a follow up of inpatient treatment |
| drugs as well. Information intake may have to wait | | | | for a period of up to 30 days. While in detoxification |
| depending upon the alcoholics condition. If the alcoholic | | | | and in inpatient treatment as well, if required, the |
| is incoherent information intake will have to wait for a | | | | alcoholic will learn about and practice the use of tools |
| day or so. It is important to know about any drug | | | | they need to keep from returning to the use of alcohol |
| intake because half life of drugs lasts longer than | | | | after they leave treatment. |
| alcohol half life. Intake staff are aware that there can | | | | Inpatient treatment programs usually introduce family |
| be two stages of withdrawal if drugs are involved, first | | | | members to the recovery program as well. Family |
| from the alcohol then later from the drugs so even if | | | | members will be encourage to attend programs to |
| the alcoholic denies drug use the staff will not be | | | | help them such as alanon and alateen. Family |
| caught off guard by a second withdrawal. | | | | members play a key role in recovery. We refer to |
| After the alcoholic has stabilized a rehabilitation | | | | alcoholic treatment programs as recovery centers. |
| program will begin with one on one counseling and | | | | However, everyone in the field of alcoholism is aware |
| group therapy. Group therapy is facilitated by a trained | | | | that alcoholism is not curable. The recovery part is |
| counselor. Groups members share their experiences | | | | learning how to refrain from using alcohol and |
| with each other and will encourage the new member | | | | recovering a life of sobriety. |
| to share too. The group meetings are really a support | | | | |